DAWSON CREEK -- The Government of BC announced today a mask mandate would be issued for hospitals and healthcare settings amid rising respiratory viruses and COVID-19 cases.

Hospitalizations have also increased over the past few months.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the mandate would be put in place on October 3rd.

She said the masking is being issued due to people in healthcare settings who are, “immunocompromised or older. They’re the people who need this protection the most. That’s where it makes the most difference in terms of having these layers of protection.”

Masking in hospitals and care homes will be mandatory.